Emerging digital information technologies have led the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) of the Library of Congress to initiate a long-term digital planning group.
The substantial progress that has been made in the development of a new digital format for audio-book production and distribution—a digital talking book and a player—has made it possible for NLS to begin planning other digital efforts.
"The national talking-book program is now reaching the stage where input from network libraries and consumer groups is needed on how we might implement new digital technology within the national network of 138 cooperating libraries," said NLS Director Frank Kurt Cylke in announcing formation of the group on Aug. 31. "Information technologies have also matured in recent years, and the convergence of these technologies has led NLS to explore how our network of libraries for blind and physically handicapped individuals can best maximize these technologies to serve our national user population of more than 759,000 readers."
The long-term digital planning group was formed with the concurrence of the national network's four regional conference chairs, with two representatives from each conference. These librarians, along with representatives from national consumer groups and appropriate NLS staff, will begin meeting at least once a year for approximately five years.
According to Mr. Cylke, "This will ensure continuous input as together we plan a transition to digital technology."
The group held its first meeting on Oct. 24-26. Robert McDermott, NLS automation officer, is acting as chair. The group will also develop substantive content for the 2002 National Conference of Librarians Serving Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals, with the theme "A Digital Planning Effort," scheduled for April 28-May 2, 2002, in Richmond, Va.
Group Members
National Consumer Groups
- Steven Booth
- National Federation of the Blind
- Christopher Gray
- American Council of the Blind
Network of Cooperating Libraries Representatives
- Gerald Buttars
- Program for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Utah State Library Division
- Kim Charlson
- Braille and Talking Book Library
- Perkins School for the Blind
- Barbara Goral
- Colorado Talking Book Library
- Michael Gunde
- Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services
- Karen Keninger
- Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Iowa Department for the Blind
- Karen Odean
- Talking Book Center of Northeast Illinois
- Deborah Rutledge
- New Jersey Library for the Blind and Handicapped
- Guynell Williams
- Department for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, South Carolina State Library